I have only spent a short few days in Seoul. The city is huge and has sprawl very similar to Los Angeles.
Korean Air and Asiana both have their main hub at ICN Seoul Incheon International. The new Terminal 2 is fantastic. But be aware the Airport is about a 1-hour drive from the main center of Seoul.
Financial District
I love the Conrad Seoul, and will have no problem staying here again. The staff was superb and the rooms excellently appointed. Dining at the hotel was top-notch as well.
Be aware that the Financial District is a bit far from tourism and shopping. But if the Conrad Seoul is good enough for Robert Downey Jr., it’s more than good enough for me.
A high-tech, intuitively functional, exceedingly convenient hotel occupying one of the towers of Seoul’s iconic International Finance Centre, the Conrad Seoul is clearly geared toward the business traveler. East Asia’s big-city business hotels are in a league of their own, but even amidst such lofty competition, the degree to which the Conrad anticipates the needs of its guests traveling on business is remarkable, from the eye-popping 37th-floor restaurant (fit for wooing a client or celebrating a deal) to the unsexy but all-important details — as in well-placed electrical outlets, reliable high-speed wi-fi, adjustable in-room work areas, and blackout curtains for shutting out the bright lights of the big city.
Of note: I am a Preferred Partner with this hotel. Enjoy complimentary VIP amenities when booking with me (e.g. room upgrade, early check-in, late check-out, daily breakfast, complimentary WiFi, and one lunch or dinner for up to two people per room).
A VIRTUOSO PREFERRED PARTNER
PART OF MY HILTON LUXURY IMPRESARIO PORTFOLIO
Lotte World Tower
This is the hotel with WOW factor, including the Rolls Royce pick-up from the airport. The rooms, staff and service beyond compare.
There is a Traditional Korean Suite, that is quite wonderful here. Still with all the modern facilities, but the furnishing and beddings quite unique.
If views are your thing, you can’t do any better in South Korea than Signiel Seoul. It occupies the 76th to 101st floors of the Lotte World Tower, which is one of the world’s tallest buildings. This means it’s by far the tallest in town, affording an unparalleled vantage point from which to observe the endless sprawl of the city and the mountains beyond – even from the lowest floor of the hotel you’re above the top of Seoul’s next-tallest tower.
But it’s not just the elevation that makes Signiel special. Like all the best of Asia’s skyscraper-topping luxury hotels, it combines its vertiginous perspective with some high-end comforts and, in this case, a look that’s a surprising blend of five-star grandeur and sleek contemporary style. Equally importantly, it’s got plenty to offer the other senses as well, from premium bedding in the bedrooms and Diptyque bath products in the spa-like bathrooms, to the restaurants, which include a modern French option by Michelin-starred chef Yannick Alléno and a contemporary Korean fine-dining restaurant called Bicena. There’s also a spa by Evian — yes, that Evian — and a library/lounge that’s both an effective meeting venue and a genuinely welcoming place to pass some time.
Part Of My Tablet Hotel Portfolio
PART OF MY TABLET HOTEL PORTFOLIO
Gangnam
Sadly, I was a bit underwhelmed when I visited the Park Hyatt Seoul. The rooms were definitely in need of an overall refreshment. And it does have a bit of a living in a Fishbowl effect with the open space facing all of Seoul, and Seoul looking back at you. Service and dining quite excellent.
Located in the heart of Gangnam, the financial and business district of Seoul, the luxurious 185-room Park Hyatt Seoul hotel occupies a stylish 24-storey modern building, with the hotel lobby located on level 24, and the hotel’s exclusive recreational facilities on the upper levels, affording stunning panoramic views of the city.
Of note: I am a Preferred Partner with this hotel. Enjoy complimentary VIP amenities when booking with me (e.g. room upgrade, early check-in, late check-out, daily breakfast, complimentary WiFi, and one lunch or dinner for up to two people per room).
A VIRTUOSO PREFERRED PARTNER
PART OF MY HYATT PREFERRED PARTNER PRIVÉ PORTFOLIO
Gangnam
Just opening September 2019. And a rather good location in Gangnam… this might turn into the “Go To” hotel in Seoul. But I did find the hotel a bit hard to work with.
Directly connected to Apgujeong metro station in Seoul, Andaz Seoul Gangnam is just a short stroll from affluent Apgujeong and Cheongdam neighborhoods where you can explore Korean Chic with luxury fashion and beauty, art museums and culinary delights.
PART OF MY HYATT PREFERRED PARTNER PRIVÉ PORTFOLIO
Banyan Tree Club & Spa Seoul
Hotel 28 Myeongdong
Four Seasons Hotel Seoul
Gangnam
This is a do not miss dining experience. I would say the best restaurant in South Korea. A fantastic set-meal with excellent and fun service.
Currently #79 on the The World’s 50 Best Restaurants list
The World’s 50 Best Restaurants
Dooreyoo
Just not a pleasant meal for me or several other diners that evening.
My Seoul Information Page at Virtuoso
Virtuoso’s information on Seoul & South Korea is rather meager, but there is a good gem or two in the Tours section.
South Korea General Information Page
Korean Air General Information Page
Need a bit of help planning a trip?
Let me know.
page updated: September 2019
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